Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God

Contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3, NKJV), Let brotherly love (Philadelphia) continue (Hebrews 13:1)…continuing stedfastly in the teaching of the apostles (Acts 2:42 YLT).

The purpose of this document is to list various beliefs of those who are part of the Philadelphia remnant of the Church of God, and most specifically theContinuing Church of God (it is not yet finished). And since Philadelphians are scattered among various organizations/locations, some Philadelphians may not hold all the beliefs in this article, but would agree with the bulk of them (here is link to Articles on various COG groups). Yet those in the Continuing Church of God hold to them all.

The Continuing Church of God was declared and announced on 12/28/12, basically because by that date it was clear that no other COG had the same commitment to Philadelphia era teachings nor enough of the “love of the truth.”

The total amount of the truth combined with real commitment to the truth (cf. 1 Timothy 3:15), along with doing the work (Matthew 24:14; 28:19-20; John 6:29) God’s way (cf. Zechariah 4:6-7), separates the Continuing Church of God from groups that have many similar doctrines.

Ephesus and Smyrna Era Teachings and Doctrines

The Book of Revelation is a prophetic book, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants–things which must shortly take place” (Revelation 1:1). Therefore, the letters to the Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 need to be understood in a prophetic context. Also, several elements of those letters HAD to be for the future and not just for the time that John wrote the messages down.

Tracing the history of the Christian church through the seven churches of Revelation 2 & 3 gives strong indications of who the descendants of the true church are today (for more details, please see the article The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3). This tracing provides information that demonstrates that the true Church of God (COG) is neither Protestant nor Eastern Orthodox nor Roman Catholic, but is truly the church that holds the same beliefs as the original apostles. And while most professing Christian faiths claim to have the faith of Jesus and His original apostles, many do not know what the original apostles or their faithful successors actually believed. The Bible clearly shows that Jesus walks in the midst of these seven churches (Revelation 1:9-13), showing that somehow they represent His church for the church age. The fact that there are seven churches addressed and the number seven suggests completion, combined with the fact that the churches are listed in the same order as they would receive mail in the Roman times, is also consistent with the view that these churches were to represent the true church throughout the ages in a type of sequential order of predominance.

The first two “eras” of the Church of God (and the first two shown in the Book of Revelation) were those of Ephesus and Smyrna and lasted from the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 (c. 31) until about the mid-fifth century (whose followers were sometimes called Nazarenes by outsiders–the Continuing Church of God traces its history through the original Nazarenes of the first through fifth centuries).

Notice the following teachings of early Christianity that historical documents shown were held during the times of the Ephesus and/or Smyrna eras–all of which are accepted by the Continuing Church of God and only a relatively few of which are practiced/taught/still accepted by Roman Catholics, Orthodox, or Protestants though early leaders considered as “saints” by the Catholics also held them):

The Sabbath was observed on Saturday by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church.

Salvation was believed to be offered to the chosen now by the early Church, with others being called later, though not all that taught that (or other doctrines) practiced “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

The Continuing Church of God continues to teach all the above as they were held by Jesus’ original apostles and their truly faithful early followers.

The Continuing Church of God also specifically traces its history from the original apostles like Peter, Paul, and John through through their faithful descendants like Polycarp, Polycrates, and certain other known early leaders/bishops in Asia Minor until the early third century, certain known leaders/bishops until around 135 A.D. in Jerusalem, and until around 211 A.D. leaders/bishops in Antioch like Serapion. While Peter played a predominant role among the apostles, after his death, that leadership role would have passed to another apostle (John) and not to an elder who may have lived in Rome.

What are Philadelphia era teachings?

While the Church of God always held to certain beliefs, over time, some truths were lost and the Sardis era of the COG lost many (cf. Revelation 3:1-3).

The following are some truths restored to the Philadelphia era of the COG that Sardis at least partially lost:

Without going into more detail here, the second century writings of Theophilus of Antioch, for example, demonstrate that Christians believed that they were to be born again at the resurrection (Theophilus of Antioch. To Autolycus, Book 2, Chapter XV) and other early writings do demonstrate that there were those who professed Christ after the death of the original apostles that seemed to hold to those “restored truths.” Judeo-Christians of the first few centuries A.D. seemed to understand at least some the identity of physical Israel and tried to get the gospel message to them (e.g. James 1:1).

Basically, Philadelphians, as opposed to others who claim COG ties, truly put their top priority on Philadelphia love by supporting the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14 and related proclamation scriptures, while recognizing that God works through ordained leaders and has tended to have had an evangelist-ranked or higher leader of the Philadelphia era, and still does though only a remnant of that era is around today.

Some Detailed Beliefs

The Continuing Church of God, which attempts to represent the most faithful remnant of the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God, bases its beliefs on the Holy Bible. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, our doctrines, practices, policies and traditions have their roots in the original Jerusalem church (Acts 2, c. 31 A.D.), as well as through the faithful in Antioch & Asia Minor in the first (such as the Apostles Peter, Paul, and John) and second centuries A.D. (such leaders as Polycarp, Thaseas, Serapion, and Polycrates). Many of whose followers went throughout the world establishing congregations through the ages.

Jesus taught that the true church would be a “little flock” (Luke 12:32), hated by the world (Matthew 10:22), and persecuted (Matthew 10:23). He also taught only a few would find the way to eternal life in this age (Matthew 7:14; 20:16). The Apostle Jude indicates that the number of saints was relatively small (Jude 14), while the Apostle Paul called the small group a “remnant” (Romans 11:5).

The Bible further shows that the true church could not remain headquartered in any single continuing city throughout centuries of its history (Hebrews 13:14; cf. Matthew 10:23), hence understanding the truth about the churches of Revelation two and three and how the Church of God itself has continued helps identify the true Church of God in its various locations.

In the 20th century, the Philadelphia era of the true Church (Revelation 3:7-13) was raised up. This “era” was primarily represented by the old Radio Church of God which was renamed the Worldwide Church of God under the leadership of the late Herbert W. Armstrong. While that “era” apparently ended upon his death, a faithful Philadelphia remnant exists that now carries that mantle and pillar of truth (1 Timothy 3:15), and will exist until the end of the church age (cf. Revelation 3:10-11; 12:14-17a). The Continuing Church of God, with its world headquarters in the Five Cities region of California (specifically now, the City of Arroyo Grande), tries to feed the flock around the world in the 21st century.

THE HOLY BIBLE

The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God. As commonly divided, it is a collection of 66 books, with 39 from the Hebrew scriptures (The Old Testament Canon) and 27 from the Greek Scriptures (The New Testament Canon). Scripture is inspired in thought and word and contains knowledge of what is needed for salvation (2 Timothy 3:15-17; Matthew 4:4; 2 Peter 1:20-21). Scripture is truth (John 17:17) and is infallible and inerrant in its original manuscripts (John 10:35).

GOD IS SPIRIT, GOD IS LOVE

“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24, NKJV used throughout). God’s ways are higher than those of humankind (Isaiah 55:9).
“God is love” (1 John 4:8,18) (The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil). The Holy Spirit is inherent in the Father and the Son, and emanates from Them throughout the entire universe (1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 139:7; Jeremiah 23:24). God’s entire plan for humankind is based upon love.

THE GODHEAD

The Father and Son comprise the Godhead (Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9; cf. Matthew 11:27) and work through the Holy Spirit. Scripture shows that God is one eternal divine Family consisting of two, God the Father and the Word, at this time (Genesis 1:26; Ephesians 2:19; 3:14-15; John 1:1,14), with faithful children to be added (Hebrews 2:10-11, 1 John 3:1-2; Ephesians 3:14-15) to become as Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29), who is God (John 1:1-3,14, 20:28-29; Colossians 2:9). The Holy Spirit is not a separate being in the theological sense and is given to those after those who have properly repented and been baptized (Acts 2:38-39). The early original Christians had what has been called a “binitarian” view of the Godhead.

BIBLICAL GOVERNANCE

Jesus taught,“My Father is greater than I” (John 14:28) while the Apostle Paul taught “the head of Christ is God” (1 Corinthians 11:3), hence the top authority in the universe is God, the Father. Now “Christ is head of the church” (Ephesians 5:23) and “the Word” (John 1:14), thus no human religious leader is authorized to directly contradict the word of God (cf. Mark 12:13-27; Acts 5:29).

A hierarchical form of governance is taught in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 12:28) and is shown to be best for the Church (Ephesians 4:11-16). The basic order being that under Jesus apostles, then prophets, then evangelists, then pastors, then teachers (Ephesians 4:11).

Since the time of Pentecost in Acts (Acts 2:1-4), ministers have been appointed through the laying on of hands from those who had the Holy Spirit, beginning with the apostles (Acts 9:17; 2 Timothy 1:6) and then through others who had hands laid upon them to be part of the ministry. While Christians should normally obey their spiritual leaders in the Lord (Hebrews 13:7,17), these leaders need to uphold biblical standards (1 Timothy 3:1-12; Hebrews 13:17) and govern as the type of servant Christ would have them be (Matthew 20:25-28).

CHRISTIANS ARE TO ABIDE IN HIS LOVE

Love is what God (John 3:16; 1 John 4:8,18), His commandments (Matthew 22:37-40), and His way of life (James 2:8-11; 1 John 5:3) are all about. Christians keeps His commandments and abide in His love (John 15:9-10; 1 John 2:3-6). “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:3-6). Christians are to “imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). And in addition to keeping the laws of God and practicing the loving way of give, Christians also ought to regularly pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17), study the Bible (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15), engage in biblical meditation (Philippians 4:8), and, those who are physically able, sometimes fast (Matthew 6:16-17). Christians are to practice love (Matthew 22:36-40) and be merciful (Luke 6:36).

The Bible teaches,“sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4, KJV). Jesus kept and taught the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 4:13; 10:4). In the, New Testament through various teachings (e.g. Matthew 5:17-48, 12:12), Jesus fulfilled the prophecy that He “would exalt the law and make it honorable” (Isaiah 42:21). In New Testament times and throughout history, true Christians have striven to obey the law of God, including keeping the Ten Commandments. And this is prophesied to continue into the future, as the Apostle John was inspired to write,“the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12).

Other than being drawn/called by God (John 6:44; Matthew 22:14), the first clear step in becoming a Christian is to hear (which can include reading as opposed to literal hearing) as “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Then one must believe in Jesus with all one’s heart “the Way” He is taught about in the word of God (Acts 8:37, 24:14). Thus, only those capable of developing faith from understanding the word of God can properly be considered to be baptized as truly Christian (though, young children of at least one Christian parent, however, are designated as “holy” per 1 Corinthians 7:14).

Accepting the message of Jesus leads to “repentance from dead works and of faith toward God” (Hebrews 6:1) which means to change past ways of living that are contrary to God’s law (e.g. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11), baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38), and the “laying on of hands” (Hebrews 6:2; cf. Acts 8:14-17) so “you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

Christians are “justified by His blood” (Romans 5:9) and “reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:10).

Baptism is with water (cf. John 3:23). The Greek word bapto literally means “cover wholly with fluid.” The full immersion at baptism helps picture our total surrender to God (Romans 6:3-13). The New Testament shows that the Holy Spirit given to the baptized through the laying on of the hands of Christ’s ministers, such as apostles or elders (Acts 8:17; 9:17; 19:6; 2 Timothy 1:6).

God is reproducing Himself through His people. Upon receiving the Holy Spirit, Christians are begotten by God (cf. 1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 5:1), then after a period of spiritual growth/gestation (cf. 2 Peter 3:18), Christians will literally be born again at the resurrection (John 3:5-7) as Christ was (Romans 1:4-5).

THE GODHEADAND TRUE CHRISTIANS

Christians believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father and the Son comprise the “Godhead” (Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9). There is one God (Mark 12:29; John 17:11; 1 Corinthians 8:4) with scripture revealing that Godhead is one eternal divine Family originally consisting of two, God the Father and the Word, (Genesis 1:26; Ephesians 2:19; John 1:1,14; Matthew 11:27), with faithful children to be added through begettal by the Holy Spirit (John 17:10-11; Hebrews 2:10-11, 1 John 3:1-2; Ephesians 3:14-15). Jesus (the Word and the Son of God) and the Father are both God. The Holy Spirit emanates from God (1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 139:7; Jeremiah 23:24) and is given to all who repent of their sins and are baptized (Acts 2:38-39). Though not a separate person, the Holy Spirit is the power (Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:6-7) which helps all believers overcome evil (Romans 12:21; Revelation 2:26-27) and will be led to attain eternal life (Philippians 3:12; Romans 6:23). Having the “Spirit of God” “Spirit of Christ” differentiates Christians from non-Christians (Romans 8:9). Many who think that they are Christian, but practice lawlessness, are not Christ’s and do not abide in His love (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 13:24-27; John 15:9-10; 1 John 2:6).

CHRIST’S GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the message that Jesus (Mark 1:14; Luke 4:43; Matt 9:35) and His disciples preached (e.g. Acts 19:8; 20:25; 28:23; 28:30-31; 2 Peter 1:10-11). This “good news” includes teaching of repentance, the forgiveness of sins through Christ’s sacrifice/crucifixion, love and God’s way of life, and of the soon-coming Kingdom and government of God (Mark 1:14-15; Acts 2:38-39; 1 Corinthians 1:23; 2:2). Christ’s Gospel of the Kingdom of God must now be preached and it reveals the means by which Christians are to be ruling members of His Kingdom (Matthew 24:14; Acts 8:12; 17:7; 28:30-31; Revelation 2:26-27). “His coming. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power” (1 Corinthians 15:23-24).

SALVATION IS BY THE NAME OF JESUS BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH AND HE WILL RETURN

“Jesus Christ of Nazareth…for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:10,12). “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). This is God’s gift by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Titus 3:5; 2 Corinthians 2:15; Romans 5:10).

Racial hatred is wrong. While there can be racial differences, the Bible does not teach that one race is superior in His eyes to any other. The Bible commands all humankind to love their neighbors as themselves (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39; Acts 17:24-29). Jesus came to bring joy to all peoples (Luke 2:10). The Bible shows that salvation is now freely offered to both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 10:34-35; Romans 10:12-13; cf. Joel 2:32) and that God intends to save people “of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues” (Revelation 7:9). Christian love should be shown to people of all ethnicities (Romans 13:10; Luke 10:30-37). “Our God is the God of salvation” (Psalm 68:20) “And all flesh shall see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6).

BIBLICAL NAME OF THE CHURCH

The predominant biblical name of the true Church in the New Testament is “Church of God.” Variants of this expression are clearly stated singular and plural forms in twelve different places in the New Testament (Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 10:32; 11:16,22; 15:9; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; 1 Timothy 3:5,15). Throughout Christian history, the true church has normally used a version of the expression “Church of God” (or “Churches of Christ,” cf. Romans 16:16) though often with another term, like a geographic region (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:2) or another word, with it (1 Timothy 3:15). Jesus said that Christians would be kept in His Father’s name (John 17:12), which most often is simply “God” in the New Testament, hence “Church of God.” The most faithful Church of God in the end times in the Book of Revelation is the Philadelphian one, but since only a remnant of that is left, the term Philadelphia remnant Church of God is an appropriate description of the portion of the Church of God that holds fast to Philadelphia era teachings. Since the true Church of God has continued from the time of the original apostles, the name Continuing Church of God helps convey that.

CHURCH HISTORY

Jesus taught that His followers in the Church Age would be a “little flock” (Luke 12:32), or remnant according to the Apostle Paul (Romans 11:5). The Continuing Church of God traces its history from the Apostolic Church in the Book of Acts (the Ephesian era) to the present through many locations. Interestingly, the Bible shows that the true church could not remain headquartered in any single continuing city throughout centuries of its history (Hebrews 13:14; cf. Matthew 10:23), hence understanding the truth about the churches of Revelation two and three helps identify the true Church of God in its various locations. It is the true Church of God and its doctrines (Jude 3; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 3: 14-16; Galatians 2:5; Colossians 1:21-23; Acts 14:21-22) not a city, that continues until Jesus returns (Matthew 10:23; 16:17-18). For much more detail, please check out The History of Early Christianity page.

THE SABBATH, MILLENNIUM, AND THE HOLY DAYS

The Sabbath is on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:8-11; Hebrews 4:4,9), The Bible shows that Jesus Christ (Luke 4:16; 6:6; 13:10; Mark 6:2), the original apostles (Acts 17:2; 18:4), and those trying to be faithful in the early Church (Acts 17:2-4) observed God’s commanded Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11; Hebrews 4:9). Jesus declared that He was the “Lord of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28); then in that sense, the real “Lord’s day” is the Sabbath which falls on the seventh day of the week. The Sabbath has long been a sign between God and His people (Exodus 31:13). Speaking of the seventh day (Hebrews 4:4), the New Testament teaches that there remains “a Sabbath-rest the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9, NIV). The Sabbath also helps picture the millennial reign of Jesus (Hebrews 4:1-4; 2 Peter 3:8; Revelation 20:4-6).

Jesus Christ and His saints will reign on the earth for a thousand years (Revelation 5:10; 20:4-6).

The Bible teaches that this millennial kingdom will be wonderful (Isaiah 2; 9; 11:1-10; 35:1-9; Ezekiel 34:21-29, Micah 4:1-4; Acts 3:19-21) and that the saints will then reign with Jesus (Revelation 20:4-6). Satan the devil will be banished during this time (Revelation 20:1-6), and it is a time of rest and abundance.

The Sabbath itself is observed weekly from sunset on the day commonly called Friday until sunset on the day commonly called Saturday.

Though at least part of how they observed them changed from how the children of Israel observed them, the early Christians observed the festivals and holy days listed in the Hebrew scriptures in Leviticus 23, but with a New Testament understanding.

Passover helps picture the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who scripture shows who came to be the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Jesus observed Passover annually (Matthew 26:18; Mark 14:14; Luke 2:41-42; 22:15), died on Passover (Luke 22:15), and was sacrificed for us as “indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Jesus made changes to the Passover including adding the symbols of unleavened bread and wine (Matthew 26:17, 26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26) as well as the cleansing practice of footwashing (John 13:1-17). It is kept annually (cf. Exodus 13:10). Keeping Passover proclaims Christ’s death (1 Corinthians 11:27) which reconciles us to God (Romans 5:10). Jesus gave His life for our salvation (John 3:16-17; Hebrews 5:5-11) and His death teaches us that Christians are not to have sin reign over our mortal bodies (Romans 6:3-12).

The Days of Unleavened Bread, which come immediately after Passover, picture being cleansed from sin by the acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus (cf. 2 Peter 1:9-11). They also picture that the leaven of hypocrisy, malice, and wickedness need to be purged (Luke 12:1; 1 Corinthians 5:6-13). The Apostle Paul was inspired to write, “Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (1 Corinthians 5:8).

Pentecost, described in the Hebrew scriptures as “the Feast of Harvest, the firstfruits” (Exodus 23:16), pictures the start of the New Testament Church (Acts 2:1-4). Pentecost also helps picture that Christians are a type of firstfruits of God’s harvest (Romans 8:23; 11:16; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23; James 1:18), though “the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37-38). “These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb” (Revelation 14:4-5).

The Feast of Trumpets helps picture the blowing of the seven trumpets in the Book of Revelation announcing events taking place during the ‘Day of the Lord’ (Revelation 8,9,11:15-18; 15:1-8; 16:1-21; 19:1-20). The last trumpet signals the resurrection of the saints, “For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52) “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Every seven years, a year of land-rest and debt release begins with this Holy Day (Leviticus 25:1-7; Deuteronomy 15:7-11).

The Day of Atonement, called “the Fast” in the New Testament (Acts 27:9), helps show our own weaknesses and need to be closer to God (Isaiah 58:5,11). This day shows that Jesus was the atoning sacrifice for our sins now (1 John 4:9-10; cf. Leviticus 16:15-16) and those that will be called in the “age to come” (Matthew 12:32; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30; cf. Acts 3:21). It also helps picture that Satan has a role in the sins of humankind and that he will be punished by being bound for one-thousand years (Revelation 20:1-3; cf. Leviticus 16:20-26; Isaiah 14:12-16).

The Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-39)which shows a time of abundance, helps picture the millennial kingdom reign (Revelation 20:4-5) of Jesus Christ and His saints on the earth (Zechariah 14; Matthew 9:37-38; 13:1-30; Luke 12:32; John 7:6-14; Acts 17:31; Revelation 5:10, 11:15; 12:9). This future paradise, following the near total destruction that humanity will have brought upon itself through its activities and the Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord (Matthew 24:21-31), will help show humanity the advantages of God’s way of life. Every seven years, the law is to be read during this festival (Deuteronomy 31:10-13).

The Last Great Day helps picture that all who ever lived will have a real opportunity for salvation (John 7:37-38; Isaiah 52:10,13-15; 65:20; Luke 3:6)–an opportunity most will accept (John 7:37-39; Romans 11:25-26; Ezekiel 37:11-14; Hebrews 9:27-28). The New Testament name comes from the Apostle John who wrote, “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38).

History provides references that the early followers of Christ, such as the Gentile Polycarp, observed the Sabbath on the seventh day and the other biblical holy days and festivals.

By observing the days that the Bible enjoins, Christians can come to understand more deeply God’s plan of salvation, and some of the steps taken toward salvation. The biblical festivals show that Christ was truly sacrificed (1 Corinthians 5:7) and Christians are to live without the leaven of hypocrisy, malice, and wickedness (Luke 12:1; 1 Corinthians 5:6-13). The biblical festivals also help show that while some are predestined to be called in this Church Age (Ephesians 1:4-12; Acts 2:1-47), there is an age to come (Acts 3:21; Matthew 12:32), and the destiny of all others is to be presented an opportunity for salvation on the Last Great Day (John 7:37-38; 12:47-48; Romans 10:11-21).

TITHES AND OFFERINGS

The Bible teaches that “And all the tithe of the land…is the Lord’s” (Leviticus 27:30). The most faithful Christians followed Jesus’ admonition to tithe (Matthew 23:23) and the Apostle Paul’s to give offerings (1 Corinthians 9:1-14). While in the time of the Old Testament, tithes were given to the Levitical priesthood, in the Church Age, this has changed to those representing Christ’s ministry (cf. Hebrews 7:1-12). Through tithes and offerings, Christians serve God by supporting the preaching of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:9), supporting the ministry (1 Timothy 5:17-18), the Church (2 Corinthians 9:6-14), attendance at His festivals (Deuteronomy 14:22-26; Acts 18:21), administrative needs of the Church (1 Corinthians 12:28; 2 Corinthians 9:6-14), and the care of the needy (Deuteronomy 26:12-15; 2 Corinthians 9:6-14; Galatians 2:10).

DEATH

“And as it is appointed for men to die once” (Hebrews 9:27) “for all have sinned…and the wages of sin is death” (Romans 3:23,6:23).

THREE RESURRECTIONS AND THREE JUDGMENTS

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming” (1 Corinthians 15:22-23).

The Bible actually teaches that there are three future resurrections (What Did Early Christians Understand About the Resurrections?). The first for the saints at the time of Jesus’ return (Revelation 20:5-6; John 5:24; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53), the second for others (Revelation 20:5a,11-12; John 5:25; cf. Matthew 11:23-24), and the third for the incorrigibly wicked and those who die at the end of the hundred years (Revelation 20:13b-14; Isaiah 65:20-23).

The Bible teaches at least three judgments and that “Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13). In this life, Christians are judged (1 Peter 4:17). A second judgment is the first part of the Great White Throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-12) which comes after the millennial reign of Jesus and His saints (Revelation 20:4-6). Later, in conjunction with it, one hundred years later (Isaiah 65:20) comes the final judgment including the dead in the sea and Death and Hades (Revelation 20:13-14), and anyone not found written in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15; Malachi 4:1-3; Psalm 37:38). Those whose names are found in the Book of Life will receive immortality and be part of God’s family (Revelation 3:5, 21:22-27; Psalm 40:7-8; cf. Ephesians 3:14-15; Romans 8:9).

HUMANKIND’S DESTINY

The Bible shows that Jesus became human (Philippians 2:7) so that humans could become His brethren in the family of God (Romans 8:29; Ephesians 3:14-19). Jesus Himself prayed, “And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me” (John 17:22-23). An article of related interested may be Deification: Did the Early Church Teach That Christians Would Become God?

But for Christians called and who endure to the end in this age, they will also be rewarded with important roles in God’s kingdom (John 14:1-3; Revelation 3:21; 20:4-6), which will be based on this earth (Matthew 5:5; Revelation 2:26-27; 5:10; Daniel 2:44).

GREAT TRIBULATION, PROTECTION, DAY OF THE LORD, AND JESUS’ RETURN

Jesus taught, “there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” (Matthew 24:21-22). The Bible shows that God promises to protect the faithful Philadelphians who “gather together” (Zephaniah 2:1-3; Joel 2:16-17; Jeremiah 4:5-6) from this “hour of trial” (Revelation 3:7-10), but this promise is not made to all Christians (Revelation 12:14-17; cf. Luke 21:36).

There is a ‘Day of the Lord’ which lasts one year (Isaiah 34:8) and precedes the return of Jesus Christ (cf. Joel 2:30-31; Matthew 24:29-31 ) and the establishment of the millennial phase of the Kingdom of God (Revelation 11:15, 20:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

What could be considered the final ‘Day of the Lord’ involves the destruction of elements (2 Peter 3:10-12) as well as the wicked in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15).

ANTICHRIST IS NOT THE BEAST OF THE SEA

The Bible shows that the final Antichrist is a religious leader as opposed to a primarily political one according to the only verses in scripture that use the expression “Antichrist” (2 John 7, 1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:22, and 1 John 4:3). The Bible specifically teaches “false prophets have gone out into the world…this is the spirit of the Antichrist” (1 John 4:1,3) and that he will suggest that he had the true Christian faith (cf. 1 John 2:18-22).

The final Antichrist is the two-horned Beast of Revelation 13:11-17 who is called “the false prophet” in Revelation 16:13;19:20; 20:10. The other Beast in Revelation 13, the “beast of the sea” of Revelation 13:1-10 is the final King of the North of Daniel 11, and though he will be opposed to Christ and thus is anti-Christ, he is not “the” Antichrist that the Apostle John warned of (though John does warn against him in multiple scriptures).

NOT OF THIS WORLD

Jesus taught, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). John the Baptist taught, “Do violence to no man” (Luke 3:14, KJV). Historically, those of the Church of God have considered military service as wrong for its members. From Revolutionary War times to the Civil War and to present, countries like the United States have tended to have had provisions to exempt Church of God members and congregants from military participation because of conscientious objections. Early Christians did not participate in military warfare nor watch violent sports.

The Apostle Paul taught “we are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 6:20). The Apostle Peter taught that God’s people were “a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out” (1 Peter 2:9). The Bible also teaches that this world has been deceived by Satan the devil (Revelation 12:9) and that God’s people need to be separate from the world (John 15:19; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; James 4:4; Revelation 18:4). Since a Christian is God’s ambassador and this responsibility is our duty above any arising from human relationships (Acts 4:18-20; 5:26-31), it is our normal religious practice to not participate in voting for national elections nor participate in jury duty, nor do we voluntarily join the military. Historically, the faithful Church of God has long taught that its members should not participate in secular juries and secular politics.

However, Christians are expected to listen to (and pray for, 1 Timothy 2:1-3) governmental authorities (1 Peter 2:13-17) and pay their taxes (Matthew 22:17-21), yet if there is a conflict between the laws of men and the laws of God, “We must obey God rather than any human authority” (Acts 5:29, NLT).

FALLING AWAY

Since non-Christians are not part of the faith, they do not ‘fall away’ in the sense that the Apostle Paul wrote about in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 1 Timothy 4:1 (“depart from the faith”), and other places in scripture. An article of related interest may include The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings.

BIBLICAL MARRIAGE

The Bible only condones sexual relations in marriage (1 Corinthians 6:18-7:5). Furthermore, Jesus taught that marriage is one between one natural man and one natural woman (Mark 10:6-9) and is intended to be for life (Matthew 19:3-9; cf. 2 Corinthians 7:39).

In the Bible, other sexual relations are condemned (e.g. Exodus 20: 14; Romans 1:24-32; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Deuteronomy 23:17-18; 27:21), as is transvestism (Deuteronomy 22:5), and improper attraction (e.g. Exodus 20:17; Leviticus 18:6-23; 20:15-16; Matthew 5:27-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). People practicing, or desiring to practice, homosexuality, bisexuality, adultery, fornication, transvestism, bestiality, or other forms of sexual immorality are not welcome to attend church services or otherwise be considered as members of the Continuing Church of God without true repentance consistent with biblical teachings (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:1-5).

The New Testament shows that marriage helps picture the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:22-32). God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) and in the New Testament, divorce is only allowed in very limited circumstances (Matthew 5:31-32, 19:3-9; 1 Corinthians 7).

The Bible also teaches,“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16; cf. 7:39), thus the Church opposes marriage between true Christians and unbelievers (with the biblical exception of Exodus 22:16).

1. To preach the Gospel of the Kingdom (Matthew 24:14) and salvation through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20; John 6:29; Acts 4:10,12; Romans 1:13) and continue in doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16).

2. To preach the end-time biblical prophetic warnings, including about the coming Great Tribulation, to the descendants of Jacob and others in this age (e.g. Ezekiel 3 and 33; Matthew 24:4-51) as we strive to lead the final phase of the work.

4. To be examples (Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 1:7) and witnesses (Matthew 24:14) to the world in general, as well as other Christians (Daniel 11:32-33.

5. To learn and practice the words and commands of Jesus in all our dealings with others (John 13:35; 15:14).

6. To restore and teach of more of the truths of original Christianity (Jude 3; Matthew 17:11; Acts 18:26).

7. To teach that Christians should be led by the Holy Spirit and pursue love, mercy, judgment, faith, justice, and the other gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 13:1-14:1; Matthew 23:23; Galatians 5:22-25).

Teaching the truth and love of the word of God to the world in general and those called in this age in particular (Matthew 28:19-20) is the mission of the Continuing Church of God.

The Continuing Church of God, which attempts to represent the most faithful remnant of the Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7) portion of the Church of God, bases its beliefs on the Holy Bible. Read CCOG's statement of beliefs for more information.